Multi-day Trips Kamakura

Multi-day Trips in Kamakura: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Kamakura, a coastal city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is renowned for its numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, beautiful gardens, and stunning natural scenery. This guide offers essential information for planning a multi-day trip to Kamakura, ensuring an unforgettable journey through history and culture.

Day 1: Explore Central Kamakura

Temples and Shrines

  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu - The city’s most important shrine, founded in 1063. It serves as the spiritual center of Kamakura.
  • Hase-dera (Kamakura’s Great Buddha) - Visit the beautiful temple complex and see the giant bronze Amida Buddha statue, one of Kamakura’s most iconic sights.
  • Engakuji - A Zen temple founded in 1282 offering stunning views over Sagami Bay from its massive wooden pagoda.

Food and Shopping

  • Visit Komachi-dori, the city’s main street lined with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Try local specialties such as Kamakura-zeni (sweet rice cakes), kamaboko (fish cake) or shirasu-don (rice bowl dish with baby sardines).

Day 2: Discover Western Kamakura

Natural Attractions

  • Enoshima Island - Famous for its sea caves, lighthouse, and beautiful views. Accessible by a bridge or ferry.
  • Jigen’s Cave (Jigamiya) - A cave shrine dedicated to Jizo Bosatsu, the protector of children and travelers.
  • Kamakura’s Beaches - Relax at one of the city’s beautiful beaches, such as Yuigahama or Daihachiro-gahama.

Temples and Shrines (Continued)

  • Kotokuin (Great Buddha of Kotoku) - A stunning 13th-century statue housed in a small hall near the beach.
  • Mitochu - A serene temple complex nestled within a forest on the slopes of Enoshima Island.

Tips and Recommendations

  • Transportation: Purchase a Kamakura Passport for unlimited travel on the Enoden line, which connects all major attractions in Kamakura.
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit, as some sites may be closed during heavy rain or typhoons.
  • Hiking: Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike up to temples or explore Enoshima Island.
  • Festivals: Time your visit to coincide with one of Kamakura’s many festivals, such as the Enoshima Elephant Festival (July) or the Hase-dera Autumn Leaves Festival (November).